Tiny Tires: Indie Developer Jon Kristinsson Revives Classic Top-Down Racing for PC

Indie Racing Game 'Tiny Tires' Channels NES Micro Machines Charm on PC Tiny Tires, a new indie racing game from solo developer Jon Kristinsson, is bringing a fresh yet nostalgic experience to PC gamers via Steam.

Inspired by the beloved Codemasters' Micro Machines series that first gained popularity on the NES, Tiny Tires invites players to relive the thrill of small-scale, top-down racing—now enhanced with modern gameplay innovations and polished indie aesthetics. Background and Development Jon Kristinsson, operating as a one-person development team, set out to capture the spirit of classic miniature racing.

Drawing clear inspiration from Micro Machines, Kristinsson designed Tiny Tires with environments that transform everyday household items into dynamic racetracks.

Players maneuver tiny cars through imaginative courses, navigating obstacles like pool tables, desks, and kitchen counters. According to the game’s Steam page, players will "dash past coffee cups and leap over notepads," encapsulating the whimsical design philosophy and tactile appeal found in early top-down racers.

This approach creates an accessible yet competitive experience, all presented from a camera perspective that lets players track rivals and anticipate twists at a glance. Game Modes and Features Tiny Tires offers four distinct game modes: • Racing: Race against AI opponents or locally with friends; the first to the finish line claims victory. • Endurance: In this mode, all competitors share a single screen and must keep up with the leader—anyone left behind is eliminated.

The last player remaining wins the round. • Free Play: For those who prefer exploration over competition, Free Play mode provides the freedom to drive and experiment on the courses without pressure. • Local Multiplayer: All game modes support local same-screen play, accommodating up to four players on the same PC.

Additional controllers are required for multiplayer sessions. Steam Release and Community Engagement While Tiny Tires does not yet have an official release date, the game is available for wishlist on Steam.

The project’s trailer showcases vibrant visuals and the exhilarating pace that classic Micro Machines fans will appreciate.

Kristinsson encourages players to follow the game’s development, emphasizing a dedication to community feedback and continued polish as launch approaches. Classic Inspiration, Modern Polish Tiny Tires stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted, pick-up-and-play racing games.

With inventive tracks made from familiar household scenes and an emphasis on local multiplayer, Kristinsson’s project bridges retro gaming nostalgia with a contemporary indie flare.

As anticipation builds, Tiny Tires promises to be a highlight for fans of classic racers and newcomers alike. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to add Tiny Tires to your Steam wishlist for notifications on its upcoming release.

NES PC Xbox Series X|S